Laguna Beach latest city to ban firearms, other weapons from protests

By Andrew Shepperson

The Orange County, California city is the latest to ban firearms, knives, and other weapons from rallies and protests after a tense anti-immigration rally was held in the beach town last month.
The Laguna Beach City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday that bans people from carrying weapons or items that could be used as weapons at public demonstrations, rallies, or protests held at city parks and beaches, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The ordinance, which took effect immediately, specifically prohibits the carrying of guns, knives, baseball bats, glass bottles, poles, pepper spray, and many other items that could be used as weapons. Signs and flags will be allowed, but may not be affixed to any type of pole or stick.
Police Chief Laura Farinella pushed the council to pass the ordinance after an America First! anti-immigration rally was held in the city last month and after some recent protests have turned violent across the country. Four people were arrested at the America First! rally, with one man allegedly carrying a knife to the event.
“I want to protect free speech, but I don’t feel that when you carry weapons along with it that constitutes free speech,” Councilman Steve Dicterow said. “The items you have

Source: Guns.com